21 August 2007
Deer Hunting Bad For The Heart?
Posted by Darrell under: Rantings Of An Outdoorsman .
Today, I read an article on Reuters entitled Deer Hunting May Put Men’s Heart at Risk. The article stated in part:
In a study of 25 middle-aged male deer hunters, researchers found that the activities inherent to hunting — like walking over rough terrain, shooting an animal and dragging its carcass — sent the men’s heart rates up significantly.
In some cases, this led to potentially dangerous heart-rhythm disturbances, or diminished oxygen supply to the heart.
Of the 25 hunters, 17 had established coronary heart disease, while the rest had risk factors such as being overweight, smoking or having high blood pressure or cholesterol. The findings suggest that for men like these, hunting could boost the risk of heart attack or cardiac arrest.
After reading the above article and then writing this article (I just inserted this paragraph) I’ve come across blog post by some of my fellow outdoor bloggers. My guess is that they, too, read the article above and then were motivated to write about it. Kristine and Moose both wrote posts with some helpful tips.
Ok, I’ll agree that hunting can be fairly strenous. Of course, walking from one end of a Super Walmart to the other can be strenous, too. The difference, of course, is if you have a heart attack in Walmart you are going to be a lot closer to medical help than if you are out in the woods. Does this mean that anyone with heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol should give up hunting?
My opinion is “no way”. (Why give up something you love? Although, I’d highly suggest you give up smoking if that is one of your vices) Being aware and taking precautions is a good thing. You should be conscious of the fact that hunting is giving your body a good work out. So, be careful. Take your time. Slow down. Don’t push your body too hard - especially if you already have physical problems. Keep yourself hydrated (I don’t know if it helps your heart - but it sure is good for the rest of you).
I keep a couple things in my pack that could be life savers if my heart or that of someone I’m hunting with decides to give out. First, I keep some aspirin in my pack. An aspirin can thin your blood and I’m told that if you are experiencing the symptoms (or pre-symptoms) of a heart attack that a single Bayer aspirin can potentially save your life.
The other thing I keep in my pack is a cell phone. It is amazing that you can be miles from civilization and still be only a few touchtone keys away. I’ve read numerous stories where a cell phone has saved an outdoorman’s life.
I certainly don’t want to have a heart attack while out hunting. Nor do I have any desire to die while in the woods. However, if I was to have a heart attack and die, I’d prefer it be while I’m doing something I’m passionate for and in a place I love.
In the meantime, I can take heart in the fact that I’m getting lots of exercise and working out the old ticker while tromping through the deer woods!
3 Comments so far...
Kristine Shreve Says:
21 August 2007 at 10:44 am.
I don’t think you should ever let a health condition or concern stop you from doing something you love, I just think you have to be aware of your restrictions and plan for emergencies. In my case, my heart works as well as anyone else’s does, but there are things that I need to consider before taking on strenuous physical activity. I know my body, and I’m aware of the signs that might be indicating I’m doing too much.
It’s about being smart, not about being timid or held back by your health.
Bryan Says:
21 August 2007 at 12:20 pm.
I love that this issue is receiving the attention it deserves through the network of outdoor bloggers. I think preparation is the key. As you mention, packing potentially life-saving items should be considered just as important as your ammunition. I also highly recommend hunting with someone or, if hunting alone, telling someone where you will be and when you will contact them when finished hunting. Further, we should think of preparation for hunting more broadly. Preparation goes beyond scouting and tuning our weapon of choice. Physical fitness should be considered when preparing for hunting season. A healthy diet and regular exercise can do wonders for your everyday life, and it might also prevent difficulties in the field…and you just might be able to track down a game animal you might not have otherwise had a chance with…
Darrell Says:
22 August 2007 at 10:30 am.
Kristine and Bryan, thanks for your comments. You both have added some useful tips. Preparation and planning are important considerations. Unfortunately, many hunters are so busy trying to take care of things so they can get out in the field, they often fail to prepare for the hunt.
I hadn’t really thought about someone losing an animal because they were too weak to properly track it. That would really stink!
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